Deus Ex was a legitimate phenomenon when it first released for the PC back in 2000. A fantastic crossbreed that blended the world of role-playing and first-person shooters, the sci-fi adventure became an instant classic. Subsequent entries were solid and entertaining as well, although many will claim that none captured the overwhelming and refreshing quality of the first title. We haven’t seen the series since 2003’s Invisible War but now, nearly 8 years later, it’s back. And you know, while everyone had their expectations and reservations, we’re here to tell you that this new effort is well worth your time.

From a graphics standpoint, Deus Ex: Human Revolution doesn’t represent a new quality bar and doesn’t really give us anything new. In fact, one could argue that the stark environments, mostly devoid of that amazing lushness and richness found in top-notch visual presentations, are underwhelming. The special effects aren’t all that “special,” either. But one must take the entire package into consideration: the world is nicely designed (if a little confusing; I’ll get to that in a minute), animations are nice and relative detail and background construction is borderline fantastic. The main characters are cool, there’s plenty of diversity in this epic quest, and there are no glaring flaws. It won’t blow you away but it’ll suffice.

In terms of sound, we get a great musical score that, while too often absent during our exploration, is beautiful and fitting. The voice acting falls just shy of stellar as many primary characters are excellent; Adam Jensen (the protagonist) is a definite high point, as is the smarmy tech guy, Pritchard, and the likeable helicopter pilot, Faridah Malik. Because the technicals are a touch dated, the effects sometimes have that muted, softened tone, although certain explosions are quite effective. The ambient sound is much appreciated, too, as the dialogue of civilians adds to the immersion. Overall, the audio is well implemented and well balanced.

Straight off, there’s something the uninitiated must understand: Human Revolution is absolutely a role-playing game. It may be an action/RPG and it’s a blend just like the original, but it is best described as an RPG with a first-person viewpoint (although it switches to a third-person camera when in cover). So don’t get confused; don’t think this is just a sci-fi shooter, ‘cuz it ain’t. It’s an in-depth, rewarding, extremely well paced and even addictive RPG. It’s not as open-ended as The Elder Scrolls, but you will have multiple futuristic cities to explore, and how you play…? Yeah, that’s entirely up to you, and that's what makes it so great.

You play as Adam Jensen, the head of security for Sarif Corporation, a company that specializes in augmentation, a form of advanced surgery and implantation. It’s the whole “science will create a better human” argument and unsurprisingly, it’s at the core of this storyline. Thing is, while augmentations can indeed save lives, there are nasty side effects, like post-operation paralysis and an addiction to neuropyzene, which is required for your body to adapt to the new unnatural implants. Ironically, Jensen nearly dies at the start of this story and to save his life, he becomes heavily augmented. So now he’s what people call an “aug,” and he’s a little torn on the issue himself.

It’s an intriguing plot, even if it isn’t entirely new. Fans of the series are quite familiar with the science vs. nature debate as it typically has a place in all Deus Ex entries. But it’s well told in Human Revolution and there are other subplots as well. As for the setting, you have free reign to explore your environment in between plot-advancing missions; you start in the city of Detroit and will move on to other exotic locations (like China, for example). It’s the year 2048 so things have changed, but not to the point where the world is unrecognizable. As you might expect, wandering around and finding stuff to do is half the fun.

You can accept any number of side missions, which are conveniently shown in blue in your text log and on the map; main missions are highlighted in yellow. Most missions have multiple steps and can take some time, especially if you don’t initially have the necessary skills to complete them. For instance, if your hacking skill hasn’t been raised above 1 and a mission absolutely requires that you hack a Level 2 terminal, you’ll just have to get that Praxis point and upgrade. Praxis points are earned through experience, and you can also buy Praxis kits at LIMB clinics for a hefty price. Praxis points are used for augmentations (manual and automatic skills), and herein lies the meat of the experience.

If you plan to take a mostly stealthy approach, maybe you’ll focus on skills that allow you to run silently, execute a cloaking ability, see through walls, hack higher-level security terminals to bypass tough areas, etc. If you plan to go in guns blazing and don’t care about casualties and all that, you might go for augmentations that enhance your aiming ability, give you more carrying capacity, reduce incurred damage, and even let you break through walls with your enhanced arms. The options are numerous and diverse and trust me, you’ll be debating for a good long time on how to spend your hard-earned Praxis points.

The control is smooth, light and fluid. This feels a little outdated, too, but it works. Collision detection can be an issue at times and the control isn’t always perfect, especially when glancing around in cover, but those are minor flaws. At first, I thought using third-person for cover and first-person for everything else wouldn’t work, but while it can be a little jarring, it functions well. I just don’t like the fact that it seems to be more difficult to execute a takedown when in cover; it’s always better if you’re free to move. Overall, though, the control never really lets you down, and you get used to the few small eccentricities within the first hour or two.

Another element that feels a little outdated is the AI, as alerted guards have difficulty negotiating levels (i.e., going up and down stairs to find you) and of course, their aim is always perfect. But at the very least, it’s familiar and remains a challenge, especially because they’ll hear and see just about every mistake you make. And besides, if you play with the shooter mindset, you won’t really care about their alertness. I’m going full-on stealth and after a very long time playing, I have yet to kill anyone (save the ones that have to die, like bosses). The best part is that this game really does let you play however you see fit. It doesn’t throw barriers in your way.

My only other complaint is the layout of the cities, especially the Chinese districts. They’re just mazes that can make exploration and getting about downright infuriating. The map is helpful, of course, but I hate to keep looking at it, especially when the areas aren’t that big. But I keep playing and playing. Exploring, talking to people, completing side quests, hacking just about anything I see (the hacking mechanic is great, by the way), finding new ways to approach various situations, learning more about the dark mystery behind the story, and executing the perfect assault on an area swarming with guards…it’s just awesome.

I like that exploration and patience is rewarded. I like that I don’t have to bribe someone to get information or hack a tough terminal; if I just look around, maybe I’ll find an air vent or a sewer tunnel that leads me to my goal. I like that my inventory has a limited capacity and what I carry dictates my approach. I like that I have both automatic and manual abilities, all of which I can choose. I like the diversity of my missions and the different obstacles they toss in my path. I like having all the time in the world to complete many of the quests and I’m never pressed for time as I explore. I like the feeling of being both vulnerable and uber-effective at the same time. I like that when I sit down, I play for three hours at a clip ‘cuz I love it to pieces.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution is an RPG that indulges the hardcore role-player’s desires and whims. If I want to see what’s over there, I’m gonna go see. It’s not a huge world but I can go wherever I wish. The only thing that can stop me is my lack of capability, which I must earn. The camera and control can be a little iffy, the maze-like quality of certain districts can get annoying, and the AI and technical presentation feels somewhat dated. But the gameplay is absolutely stellar. It’s a pleasure to play such a complete experience. The depth is there, the style and atmosphere is there, the action is there, and the story is there.

Oh yes, and this sucker will take a good 30-40 hours if you really get into it. Lastly, this is definitely Deus Ex through and through. If you loved the others, you’ll adore this one.

The Good: Great voice performances. Interesting characters and storyline. Control is fluid and reliable. RPG depth, exploration, and freedom is present and appreciated. Patience and precision is rewarded. Augmentation system is excellent.

Bah it's not released until friday here. Placed my pre-order at my local Gamestop today.Oh man, this I can not wait to get my hands on. I just *know* I'm going to love this! RPG, sci-fi, exploring, choices, hours upon hours of gaming... What is there *not* to love here?

Solid review, it did even better than I thought. Unfortunately I still haven't decided if I should get it sooner or later. I was hoping a great positive review like this would sway me but maybe it's best to hang onto the moneys for Dead Island.

I don't always buy my game based on what is "better," sometimes I buy them based on what I'm in the mood for ya know? Deus and Resistance I surely want but I have to think of my gaming schedule too. I'll be getting my RPG in-depth involvement with WKCII and Skyrim, and if you've ever played games like that (50+ gameplay hours)one after another you too might welcome some zombie slaying in the middle. I don't think I can make it a 3fer.

And an FPS, Resistance 3 or no, is still an FPS so it goes lower on the list than anything else.Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 8/22/2011 1:56:36 PM

Nah Dead Island isn't an FPS, it's just in first person like Deus Ex or Far Cry.

Truth is I haven't decided on Deus Ex yet, better do that in the next few hours I guess. I'll probably cave, it does look really good. I need somethin to do and I can't get into AC2 no matter how hard I try.Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 8/22/2011 3:18:00 PM

i dont remember hearing much about this game for a long time or maybe at all before recently. seems like it will be a lot of fun to play but im not sure if i will have time or money to get this any time soon. maybe when it hits like $20 or $30.

I know what you mean "Underdog15" I thought the same thing seeing the preview graphics. I'm having the same feeling towards Resistance3. But after reading the review the game is what I had hoped to be. Not perfect, a little lacking in the graphics but excellent gameplay. The whole package is great. Its like having Jessica Alba with a little hairy mole on her face. lol You have to look at the whole package and both have endless replay value.

I felt the ME2 Normandy load times were unnecessarily long for simply loading another portion of the ship, but on average not bad. They were just very frequent if you wanted to run around and do things.

OMG I couldn't stand the ME2 Normandy loading times. I really enjoyed the game but I coudldn't bear the thought of having to go through those loading times second playthrough. It would have felt like work and discourage me from trying to talk to my teammates. Its okay cause I traded the game and got Killzone 3 for free :D Otherwise I would have kept this game to add to my collection of must keep games.

If there's anything about ME2 that I really found annoying, that has to be it too. Just trying to move to another deck would take ages to load, even if the areas are not that large. They need to take lessons from Naughty Dog and SuckerPunch. Uncharted and Infamous hardly had any loading screens. But other than that, ME2 was great!

The load times in ME2 are too frequent and it really puts a damper in what I'm doing. I started it last month and have only played for like 8 hours or so... I feel like because of all the loading I have to play for more than 3 hours to get anything done. Good game so far though otherwise...

I wasn't going to buy this right away because I'm a little on the broke side, but this review may have just changed my mind. Problem is, I don't have a ton of time for gaming these days, so I'm afraid that this'll be another started-and-didn't-complete game. Either way, though, if I DO buy it, I'll be spending the extra $10 for the Augmented Edition just so I can own the soundtrack. The music for this game is just epic!

Can you finish the game and start a new game with your Stats and equipment intact. That way you can play it over and over again until you get every single augmentation and build a supersolder :DLast edited by josephps3 on 8/22/2011 4:13:34 PM

I recently watched a video where one of the people who made this game was interviewed and this exact question was asked. The answer was that there is no new game+ like you describe because the devs want people to make choices in this game and then live with the consequences of those choices.

You have to make a choice early on if you want to be a stealth guy or go through the game like Rambo with guns blazing. If they let you keep all your augs, abilities and equipment and then start over and then add all the other augs/abilities that takes away those choices.

Booo! THis game is all about choice aint it. Well I want the freedom to choose to make a supersolder dammit :P

No seriously, I would like the ability to go from being super stealthy to super rambo in the same mission. You can't do that if you have to keep starting fresh. THe way the game is design you have to make a choice and make sacrafices. I think it would be fun after many playthroughs to be able to blaze through some of the same stages where you struggled with.

Resident Evil4, 5 allowed you do that. I had fun replaying with infinite ammo and blazing through.

joseph: That's hardly realistic. In an RPG, you are training an individual. It would make absolutely no sense to have someone trained in stealth suddenly become Rambo in a split second.

Besides, it would also completely negate the difficulty in choosing your skills. If you can always switch around at will, why agonize over the ability you choose? If you can do both for any given situation, it just won't matter.

Well I'm thinking after multiple playthroughs, I've done it all and seen it all. Now I just want to fool around and see what craziness I can cause in this gaming environment.

I think it would be fun to have every possible weapon and augmentation available so you can now go through that same level, which you've completed 2-3 times now, in unpredictable unexpected ways. Try and test and push the boundaries of the game.

To me that would add value and bring me back and keep playing it and fooling around with it.

Finally another Deus EX game that might be as good as the original. How expansive are the levels compared to the original DX? In the first Deus EX the sniper rifle was my favorite weapon, I can remember sniping enemies across very large and open courtyards and levels were expansive vertically as well as I sniped enemies from a balcony on a tall building.

One of the biggest disappointments I had with DX: Invisible War was the levels were so small and claustrophobic, it made the sniper rifle useless.

Well I hate to shell out another 60$ but I'm going to buy it sooner or later so might as well do it now. I can't wait for the bargain bin time. Not for this one. Might have to order it, as video game stores are scarce where I am.

Question: What if I want to play through in a variety of different ways? Can I jump from one to the other or do I have to commit to making it an FPS or stealth game etc?

THink of it this way. A game like this is a thinking man's RPG game. This will make you smarter and improve your thinking skill and thereby do better in class and thereby get a better job and thereby make more money and don't have to work as much anymore and have more time for games and your supermodel wife :D

All because you decided to get this game. The best decision of your life. See you're already training your decision making skills for the game.

lol, let's hope it's that easy joseph, I'm back in college because as it turns out hard labor is not a good fit for a cerebral person. Thinking-man RPGs are though.Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 8/22/2011 5:03:28 PM

I used to do some manual labor, but literature and writing is my woman.

Amazon gave me $10 credit for the preorder, so I can put that towards Dead Island pending reviews :) Honestly I'd rather have the ten bucks than the extra mission Gamestop gives.Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 8/22/2011 7:03:32 PM

That's only if you pre-order the Steam version. Would be nice to have though, but I've already got the Collector's Edition coming so I'm not going to pre-order another version just for these items. They'll be available in the TF2 store in the future though I'm sure just like some of the other pre-order items that are available for other games.

Looks like something special. I really want this one, but between having a plate over flowing with goods, and many games already begging for my time, Deus Ex will have to hold on a while longer. But I have EVERY intention to experience this one, having enjoyed the first two as much as I had. And yeah, I did think the first game was better than the second, too.

surprised how well this has reviewed, i was worried allot would complain its not a deus ex game.i just wish they would fix the inconsistent AI and the 200 bucks to pay the weekly bills, grocery shopping and such.takes FOREVER to unlock args, and you really need them!

Don't buy new, buy it used for half the price in just 3 months time. $30 saved means you're halfway towards different new 90+/100 rated game. 3 months won't be that long because Sept, Oct, Nov is packed full of guaranteed 90+ games that don't have some big flaws that Deus Ex has.

I've read several reviews and there are some major flaws that makes Deus Ex a wait and buy it used game.

1)Poor Boss Fights-Its unanimous. The boss fights are frustatingly poorly designed. So much that if you didn't augment your health and augment too much hack or stealth you may have to actually go back to an early saved game. 2)Long Load Times-I just can't stand extremely long load times (ME2 Normandy). They take you out of the game and discourages from replays.3)Poor Animation, Voice syncs, Dated Graphics-I've seen enough HD videos to know that the graphics in my opinion is more 6/10. Animations are stiff, voice-lips totally out of sync and graphics looks 2009 quality. This game is all about heavy exploration, well having vibrant, vivid, sharp, detailed environment is vital. Why would I want to explore a meh visually designed world?4)Weak AI-the AI is inconsistent. (k trying to keep it short now)5)Glitches, glitches, glitches- read many times about bad clipping, dead npc getting stuck in walls6)No New Game+

Because of all the above problems, this game will not be kept by new buyers but instead played and then put up for sell. They'll want to make some money for the real superstar of 2011 coming out Sept, Oct, Nov. And its near Christmas so any extra cash will help. Ppl will get rid of this game and you will be able to benefit.

This game is worth it at $30-$25 flat used, not $60+tax. So you're both paying about $30 to play this game but you get to actually keep it in your library.Last edited by josephps3 on 8/23/2011 7:37:16 AM

Please don't try to influence our readers by citing reviews from other sources, and telling them not to buy a game we recommend. Knock that off.

And firstly, that bit about the boss fights is incorrect. Some critics just aren't very BRIGHT. The bosses can be annoying but they do not EVER require you to go back to an earlier save and change how you set up your character. You just have to find a way to beat a boss and many times, it has absolutely nothing to do with you or your equipment, but your environment.

Secondly, the load times are NOT that long. The average review score for this game is actually higher than a 9, anyway, and you're still trying to convince everyone not to buy it?

its not how you fight the bosses that people are complaining about, its what happens after.the whole game gives you choices, and lets you shape things how you want.but the boss battles are so linear, you basically have no input in what happens.they just feel like they were stripped out of a totally different game!i found them too easy if anything, especially the first boss you just have to keep hurling explosives at him.

everything there are minor flaws simple as that.to say the games not worth picking up now just because of them is ridiculous!to be honest almost every game released this year had bigger problems then this!im surprised and really impressed how well eidos have done with this.they have not done what everyone else does, they have not tackled a small easy to do game, they have tackled a massive multi story branching RPG.not only did they take the big boys on, took the harder route, they showed them off!only if half our games were this well made!

bleh, I support good devs who make good games, Eidos made a damn good game, they're getting my $60.
By good game, it sounds that this is better than most regardless of these flaws that you've pointed out.

Also to point out your problem with the art design - there is a great difference between technical graphics and artistry. The art direction in this game looks fantastic even if that polygon count or photorealism is lacking. From what I can see the animations are rather slick. I can't comment on AI or the nature of the boss fights since I haven't played it yet.

You may think that your trying to help out the rest of us who are supposedly blind here.... but instead it's coming off as insulting to Ben's own review.

First of all, why would Ben take a differing view as a personal attack. Is his word the word of GOD? You don't think everyone single person in here does not go to other sites to get differing opinions? Are we suppose to take what Ben says as Gospel and attack anyone who may think differently? Is it a crime on this site to go elsewhere to get a second, third, forth opinion before we spend our hard earned money?

I did not mention any sites specifically by name. That would be rude and disrespectful. Every single person here read many reviews to get a better full picture. You don't just read Ben's reviews and decide. If you do, you're an idiot. That's like reading one review about a car, electronic, movie, book etc and only that review to make your decision.

After reading several reviews I notice several of them repeated cited the problems I mentioned. As a result I stated a reasonable option of waiting 3 months and buying it used. A decision we all make when a new game comes out: 1) Do I buy it now 2)Don't buy it 3) Wait and buy it used.

I wasn't saying Ben's opinion was wrong or bad. I come to this site because I actually respect his opinion and take the time to read his reviews. I work and don't have time to post blogs on every site I read. In fact this is one of two sites I take the time to blog. I would think its a complement to Ben that I value his work and find it worthwhile to contribute to the forum and DISCUSSION. And that's exactly what this is-discussion. Aren't we here to offer opinions and views and then debate them? Some may agree, some may disagree but differing views makes a forum more interesting. Opposing views make it even more engaging.

What I was saying was "Wait! I know the game sounds great and it is but look what I found. There may be real problems worth considering taking a pause and take a second look. You say criticism towards the Boss fights and loading times are exaggerate and does not deter from enjoying the game. Fine. Great. Lets have it. State your opinion.

Actually, another very popular site just did a video showing the actual loading times between Xbox installed, PS installed, and Xbox not installed after 3 or 4 different points. Now why in the world would they go to that trouble if people weren't concerned about it and talking about it. After seeing that video, I realize the loading times were exaggerated and it doesn't bother me at all. Turns out I agree with Ben. He was right. Its not that bad and he didn't mention it because it didn't bother him and I agree. Its a non issue now. But was it wrong to bring it up because many other sites mentioned it as being too long? Long loading times is a serious problem for me and I'm sure many other people.

I'm not trying to convince anyone here. Couldn't care less if you buy or not buy it lol All I was doing was having fun in contributing to the discussion. I enjoy games and its fun talking about whether a game is good or bad. Ppl have different taste and opinion and its fun to talk to someone that agrees with you and also disagrees with you.

"Stop blowing everything out of proportion?" what are you talking about. I'm responding to what I thought was a misunderstanding of my original post. Took the time and effort to clearly and succinctly articulate my position and all you got to say is stop blowing everything out of proportion?

"You came in here and dragged critic reception from other sources into the discussion" Again what are you talking about. You think you're the only person's game review I read. Yeah I read other critics and brought those somewhat differing opinions into the discussion. Yeah so what? What's wrong with that? You got a problem with ppl getting more informed and then trying to discuss it? Like I said, I was respectful and did not and would not mention other critic's sites but I'm not allowed, after reading other critic's opinion, to bring that viewpoint into the discussion? What is this? the thought police? You think you got a little playground where you can play God? You're the king and we're all paupers and we dare not go against anything you say?

"advise ppl not to buy a game we just recommended" I was stating my opinion and so what if I was saying maybe you should consider buying it used. That's again just my opinion. I didn't say your review sucked or was wrong. I was saying the game is good but maybe not worth the full $60. But wait because its very possible because of the problems mentioned that it will become available used at half the price. Many of what I say you actually agree. You do state that graphics is not exactly amazing. The AI is an issue. There are glitches. The only thing I added were the boss fights and loading times.

I thought you and other ppl misunderstood me. It seems I misunderstood you. You really are personally offended because someone actually had a different opinion from you and dare to...omg discuss it :O Really grow up. I thought you were more mature than this. Don't worry there are ohhh I don't know dozens and dozens of other sites where an engaging intelligent debate is not discouraged just because they differ to the editor-self- proclaimed-God.

I'm not getting into any argument. I simply asked you to be respectful and place your comments in the forums, where they belong. But you're obviously not capable of being respectful, as you've done nothing but insult people since you showed up. None of this has anything to do with my opinion; I don't care about that in the slightest.

But of course, you know everything about me. And when did you sign up? A day ago? I don't have time for immature kids with superiority complexes. Bye.Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 8/23/2011 9:03:09 PM

Picked this up on day one and I certainly do no regret it. Excellent game, just amazing. So far, it's a blast and to any of you who enjoy RPG's I would highly recommend it.

I am aware that many are looking to pick this up at a later date to save up for the onslaught that will be fall but in all seriousness this is one of those games you don't want to miss.

Just get it. It's worth moving one of the upcoming games to your Christmas list, trust me.

(quick hint)This is just IMO but I found that saving a few points for during the mission is generally a good idea. A lot of the upgrades sound really good in theory but you may be hitting yourself later when you realize they could have been put to better use. Anyways, take it or leave it just something I found to be usefulLast edited by CharlesD on 8/25/2011 12:27:07 AM

I disagree! Cause I *know* the option is there, even if I do not use it. I want the decision to be final, irreversible, once done it's done and my character have to live with it for the rest of it's life.

Ben, you were very helpful with your review. I was waiting to see about this one because I wasn't exactly sure how I felt about the game until I read your review and then I was like "YUP! picking it up!". I made sure I watched some game play of it first, and it was what I was looking for. If some of you are still not convinced about the game, well give it a second chance because you might be surprised. If your not into RPGs, then this may not be your kind of game.Last edited by flamefury42 on 8/25/2011 9:07:01 AM